10 Best Organic Cotton Jeans Brands

When you are talking about fashion and style, chic denim garments will invariably come into the frame, with organic cotton jeans high on the agenda.

There is no need to compromise on style while looking after the planet, these brands produce stylish and sexy jeans, using non-toxic denim. From traditional blue jeans to black jeans and denim jackets, these organic cotton denim brands have it all.

Why Organic Cotton Jeans?

Cotton is one of the fibers that is used the most in the production of textiles. Conventional cotton production relies heavily on the use of toxic pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers, which are all harmful to the workers and the environment. This makes cotton one of the dirtiest crops in the world. Organic cotton jeansOrganic cotton on the other hand, is grown without the use of any harmful and toxic chemicals. This protects not only the cotton pickers and farmers, but also the local wildlife. Growing organic cotton also requires dramatically less water than conventional cotton farming. There is a big reduction in water pollution because no toxic waste is produced. Organically grown cotton also produces 46 percent less carbon monoxide emissions.

So organic cotton has numerous advantages over conventional cotton. Organic cotton looks like conventionally produced cotton, but it is softer on the skin and kinder to the environment.

Read more about organic cotton production and the benefits of organic cotton in this article.

Let’s explore the best brands that produce organic cotton jeans.

1. Nudie Jeans

Nudie Jeans is an environmentally conscious Swedish fashion brand that sells mainly jeans and denim garments. Cotton makes up ninety-five percent of the fibers incorporated in their garments, and only organic, recycled or Fair Trade cotton is used. Since 2012, all the denim that is used in Nudie Jeans garments, is organic cotton. Nudie Jeans certifications

Denim used for Nudie Jeans conform to these globally recognized standards:

  • Depending on the origin and supplier, organic cotton is certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS 100 (Organic Content Standard 100) or US Department of Agriculture.
  • Cotton that is sourced through Chetna Organics in India, is both GOTS and Fair Trade certified.
  • Global Recycled Standard is used for recycled yarn.
  • Textiles made from cellulose fibers, such as TENCEL Lyocell, carries the FSC certification.

The positive aspects of organic cotton is combined with the Fair Trade system that guarantees fair payment and working conditions. Nudie also works with the Fair Wear Foundation, who is dedicated to improving working conditions in the textiles industry. This means they are sure that the working conditions are ethical and safe, through the entire production process.

To make the denim soft and stretchy, one to three percent elastane is incorporated in the yarn. The organic cotton is spun around a very thin elastane filament.

When you buy a pair of Nudie jeans, it comes with a promise of free repairs, regardless of where or when you bought it. They are supporting slow fashion with their repair program.

Recycling with Nudie Jeans

They are further reducing their environmental impact by using recycled cotton. Old Nudie jeans that are brought in by customers, are used in different ways:

  • Sell them as preloved Nudie jeans.
  • Patches are cut and used to repair Nudie Jeans for customers.
  • New products like bucket hats are made from old jeans. Nudie Eco conscious denim
  • Rebirth jeans are made from denim which incorporates twenty percent post consumer recycled Nudie Jeans.

Rebirth Jeans became the natural step from the Repair and Reuse initiatives. To ensure a high quality recycled product, you need control over the fiber content. As it is their own jeans, the fiber content is known to them.

The old jeans are mechanically recycled by cutting them up. The fibers are then ground and mixed with virgin organic cotton. After spinning and weaving the yarn, the fabric is first dyed with indigo, and then over-dyed to produce a black denim. Over time the black jeans will fade and reveal the underlying indigo.

By repairing, collecting and reselling second hand Nudie jeans, it prevents your jeans from being wasted. Since starting their repair program, 44,000 kilograms of denim fabric have been saved from going into landfill.

“Seconds” or “Rejects” that didn’t pass the quality control tests, are turned into shorts by cutting off the legs. They are continuously working on re purposing and upcycling old products to create new ones.

In 2018 Nudie started using vegan material for the back patch instead of leather. They are also using recycled plastic in some of their garment. It is sold with a Guppyfriend wash bag to minimize micro plastic release into the water system.

Nudie must be the brand that is the most conscious of the planet. So to support the latest fashion style of organic cotton jeans, visit the Nudie Website here, or get your sexy jeans from Nudie here on Amazon.

Related post: Best 100% Organic Cotton Jeans from Nudie Jeans

2. Stella McCartney Jeans and COREVA Denim

An innovative new stretch denim fabric, called Coreva, has been created by the Italian manufacturer Candiani. The COREVA stretch technology has been patented by Candiani. Coreva stretch technology has a custom engineered component and is produced in a safe environment that is free of toxins. Stella McCArtney jeans

The denim is not only sustainable, it is also compostable. Revolutionary yarns, that all have a vegetable origin, means that a hundred percent biodegradable denim fabric can be created. The process is to use a core of natural rubber and to wrap organic cotton around it, thus creating a fabric that is free from plastic and micro plastic.

Common elastomers are synthetic and is derived from petrochemicals and Coreva stretch technology will replace these common elastomers. So the normal synthetic elastomers are replaced by using this innovative fabric, thereby creating a stretch denim fabric that is biodegradable, without compromising elasticity.

Two smart-dyeing techniques are used during the production.

  • Indigo Juice is used to retain the indigo colour on the yarn.
  • Kikitex Vegetal is a patented biodegradable ingredient which is derived from seaweed and mushrooms. Instead of using agents like starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and fixing agents, kikitex vegetal is used as a replacement.

Both these techniques require less water, chemicals and electricity during the dyeing and washing processes, than conventional methods.

The environmentally conscious British fashion designer Stella McCartney has teamed up with Candiani, and has created a collection using Candiani’s Italian technology to make biodegradable stretch jeans.

The technology embraces the fashion vision of the designer. The new range will be available from May 2020, but in the meantime, you can shop Stella McCartney’s jeans here.

3. Denham and Coreva Denim

The Dutch jean makers Denham will also be using the innovative Coreva stretch technology in their Bio-stretch Salvadge jeans. Sustainability is at the core of the Denham philosophy and eco friendly textiles are used for all their garments.

4. Patagonia

Patagonia’s denim garments are all made from a hundred percent organic cotton, meaning it was grown without the use of GMO seeds or harmful and polluting fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.Patagonia organic cotton jeans

By using an innovative new dyeing process, Archroma’s Advanced Denim Technology, the amount of water, electricity and chemicals that are used, is significantly reduced. Less carbon dioxide is also produced, compared with traditional dyeing methods that make use of synthetic dyes.

What is Archroma’s Advanced Denim Technology? This innovative technology uses a process that is based on sulfur dyes that adheres more easily to the denim fabric.

It means there is a shorter production line and allows a huge reduction in the amount of water, energy and chemicals that are used, as well as lower carbon dioxide emissions. 84% less water is used, 30% less electricity is consumed and 25% less carbon dioxide emissions.

So it has huge environmental advantages compared to the conventional way of dyeing denim with synthetic indigo.

The seams in Patagonia’s denim garments carries the Fair Trade certification. Patagonia pays a cash bonus to workers that make their Fair Trade certified garments.

No processes like sandblasting, bleaching and stone-washing, that all have a serious negative environmental impact, are used. This is where you can order your Patagonia garments at the best price.

5. DL1961

DL1961 is a New York based company that produces organic cotton jeans that are GOTS, GRS, OCS and RCS certified. DL1961 Organic cotton jeans

  • GOTS = Global Organic Textile Standard
  • GRS = Global Recycled Standard
  • OCS = Organic Content Standard
  • RCS = Recycled Claim Standard

Apart from organic cotton for their denim garments, they also use TENCELL and a trademark material called Refibra Lyocell. ReFibra is made out of wood pulp and denim scraps that would have ended up in landfill.

Water recycling methods are incorporated in their production, meaning only 8 gallons of water is used, instead of the 1,500 or more used by other brands.

They use Dystar Indigo colour which has been reduced to minimize water usage, together with Jeanologia Ozone Eco G2 machines which use air and eliminates excess indigo colour.

Laser technology is used to add character to the denim fabric, rather than abrasive chemicals. They further offset their carbon footprint by using solar power in their offices.

To shop the latest fashion style, get your sexy jeans and denim jacket from DL1961 here.

6. Monkee Genes

Monkee Genes is a UK brand that produces ethical, sustainable and organic cotton jeans. The factories they use are all GOTS certified for using one a hundred percent organic cotton. Monkee Genes organic cotton jeans

Their new Black Jet Collection is using Jeanologia e-Flow technology, to create black jeans that have minimal fade properties. The Black Jet collection is also their first range where recycled polyester is used, re-spinning old polyester that would potentially have ended up in landfill or the ocean. Recycled polyester uses up to 40% less energy and up to 95% less water, than virgin fibers.

For the back patch a Jacron label is now used. Jacron looks like leather, but is a plant based, sustainable alternative to leather and synthetic materials. It is made from paper, but does not tear and can withstand industrial washes.

Monkee Genes has a completely transparent supply chain and supports Fashion Revolution. This means the workers are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions, from the cotton pickers to the factory workers to the office team.

Plant based packaging materials, made from plant and potato starch, are used. It can be reused and it is also fully compostable. Shop your pair of vegan organic cotton jeans from Monkee Genes jeans here.

7. prAna prAna organic cotton jeans

PrAna is a North American company that uses organic cotton, recycled wool and responsible down in their range. Apart from producing organic cotton jeans and denim garments, they also make a full range of yoga clothing, leggings, shirt and tops and much more.

They only use farms and production facilities that are Fair Trade certified, thus ensuring that all the workers are paid a fair wage and have safe working conditions.

PrAna is working closely with Bluesign to ensure that no chemicals end up in our skies or in our waterways and oceans.

PrAna is also discussed in this post on the Best Yoga Clothes Brands That Respect the Planet.

This is where you can buy your prAna jeans at the best price.

8. KowTow

This New Zealand label was founded in 2006 and they only use renewable and sustainable fibers, following the latest fashion style of producing organic cotton jeans.Kowtow organic cotton jeans

Kowtow fabrics are designed by them, starting with the yarn, so it is one a hundred percent unique to them. Sustainable fabrics include organic, renewable and biodegradable fibers.

All the garments are ethically and sustainably made with slow fashion as a focus. From designing the collection to delivering it, takes eighteen months. They are working towards closing the loop and have a circular design and production process.

Kowtow organic cotton jeans have nickel-free zips and rivets and GOTS approved processes are used for washing and dyeing.

They have a repair program and are developing a program to take back their clothing and swimwear to recycle it, although this is still at the research stage.

9. Outland

Outland is an Australian humanitarian denim brand that was founded in 2008 to help women that were at the risk of being exploited. They grow their own organic cotton on rural farms in Cambodia and use females from local communities that are vulnerable and might be sexually exploited, to tend to the crops. It is a B Corp company and they use water and energy reduction processes.

10. Mud

This is a Dutch brand that uses eco certified cotton. Also, promoting leasing their jeans and at the end of the year you give it back to them and they recycle it. Support slow fashion through their recycling program. Send them your old pair of jeans when you order a new pair and they will recycle it.

Explore the best brands that produce sustainable denim garments, using recycled fabrics and eco friendly indigo colour, in this post.

If you have any comments or questions about the latest fashion style of organic cotton jeans, then please leave them below and I will get back to you.

26 thoughts on “10 Best Organic Cotton Jeans Brands”

  1. Hi Line,

    Wow! Jeans have really been integrated into our ecosystem; it’s innovation in the making. The fashion industry has evolved into a place where your favorite pair of jeans can last for 10 years instead of a year.  If you have written about the 10 best organic jeans, How many more or there?  My personal preference would be Nudie Jeans, DL1961, and Monkee Genes. Not only or the jeans made from organic cotton, but the idea to use plant-based packaging is absolutely incredible. 

    Way to prove the power of Green!

    Reply
  2. Hi. Thanks for your article.

    Me and many of my friends love shopping and we often go to stores to shop or check websites for good deals. I am a big fan of jeans as well. They match with almost everything and they shouldn’t be missing on anyone’s wardrobe.

    I’m glad I found your article. As a person with sensitive skin, I know how low quality clothing feels like. And even if you ddon’t have skin problems like me, a low quality piece might affect you long term.

    Reply
    • Organic cotton clothing is certainly better for your skin, and the environment, so I am sure you will enjoy denim jeans made from organic cotton.

      Reply
  3. It’s been a while since I purchased a pair of jeans for myself, probably a couple of years.  I am starting to hear and see more companies promoting eco-friendly clothing, and I think it is great.  Finally, the fashion industry is getting on board with saving the environment.

    I have only heard of a select few of the brands of jeans that you mention, particularly Patagonia and Stella McCartney.  It’s nice to know there are many options of organic cotton jeans to choose from.  I am in need of new jeans very soon and will be looking at some of the brands that you mention.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Jenny. 

    Reply
    • Hi Jenny, it is indeed great that we have a greater choice of organic cotton jeans brands that we can get eco friendly clothing from. I do think that Nudie Jeans has the biggest selection in terms of styles and designs, and they cater for men and women. I hope this helps, Liné

      Reply
  4. This was an incredibly informative page. I don’t know much about organic materials but this has provided such a wealth of information – firstly in terms of the kind of cotton and how organic compares to others. I also like that you have listed the brands and provided reviews on why they are preferred. The ads on the page are also appropriate and well positioned. I learned a lot from just this one page and there are so many other links. I also liked the simple and clean format chosen for the web design. Great job! 

    Reply
    • Thank you for your kind comments. I do think organic is best when it comes to anything that touches your skin. And it is better for the environment.

      Reply
  5. Thank you so much for giving us a wonderful and wonderful article of mine.The main theme of this article is about living a sustainable environment. Your articles talk about chic denim Garments.

    These jeans are best known as the Organic Cotton Jeans brand.

    It is one of the top ten brands in the world that is very comfortable and easy for people to read. Of these ten James Brands, two are very popular to me.Among them are:Nudie Jeans,Stella McCartney Jeans and COREVA Denim. But they are very touchy and expensive.

    If you agree with me, I will buy them and encourage my friends to buy them. Thank you again for presenting us with such a beautiful article.

    Reply
  6. Well,I was surprised by the whole site.  Lots of great information put together well and it was a very interesting read.  The topic of organic anything can be quite volatile as those who want to resist and stick with old methods do not change their views easily and are difficult to be persuaded.  I think that overall the content is technically accurate as well as accurate. 

    I do like that the social buttons didn’t follow me down the page.

    As a trained technical author, I did find that the abbreviations odd, and the preferred way round is for example; Rapid Eye Movement (REM), and not REM (Rapid Eye Movement), also the first letters should be capitals.  (Not many are pedantic as I am so it may go unseen). 

    I did leave a comment as the site persuaded me to possibly buy a pair of eco friendly jeans, so the site works.

    Reply
    • Hi David, thanks for your positive feedback and I am please to hear that you like the site. I hope you find what you need. 

      Reply
  7. I love jeans and I wear it almost everyday. I tried to support the organic movement as much as I can. Not only that I look good in my new jeans, I also make the different. I had no idea that there are so many pesticides in the cotton tree. I used to see them tree and no one would bother or go near because the cotton would fly everywhere, poor workers. 

    I have always been a fan of Stella McCartney, I definitely have to look into her collection. Patagonia caught me attention as well. Thank you so much for sharing all these companies. 

    Reply
    • Organic cotton farming doens’t use any harmful and toxic chemicals or pesticides, so it is far better for the environment and the workers. Stella McCartney is a great designer that is doing a lot for using sustainable textiles and practices.

      Reply
  8. Hi

    It is interesting  to read this article on the top ten best brands for organic Jeans and it is good that the clothing industry is starting  to realise that clothes needs to become sustainable. In that materials have to be reused and recycling and not continually disposed in landfill sites. It is great to read that companies are not only putting profit before anything else and that they are taking the whole life cycle of the product in question. It is good that they are using less insecticide and fungicides as often you wonder if this will harm you in the long run and destroy the local ecosystem, which me do not want.

    I am glad that some companies are starting to recycle polythene in clothes, which can  be a difficult  process. The future looks rosy  and it looks like that companies are finally stepping up to the plate. 

    Thanks 

    Antonio 

    Reply
    • Hi Antonio, Organic farming doesn’t use any toxic chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides, which is far better for the environment and the workers. It also means that organic cotton is very soft and gentle on your skin.

      Reply
  9. Hi Lin,

    Great article, I really enjoyed the reading.

    All my shoes are vegan, and now I am looking for organic jeans. I like the first one on the list, the Nudie jeans.

    I do have some questions please, Will the jeans lose their color after the washing? My second question is, does cotton wick away moisture? I mean, will it makes me sweat in the summer? I am very sensitive to heat:)

    Thank you for this excellent post!

    Reply
    • Hi Daniella, Organic cotton is a great moisture wicking textile, so you will feel cool and comfortable in any weather wearing them. All brands are different when it comes to the amount of colour that might run when you wash it. For best colour retention wash your jeans inside out and use a cold or low temperature cycle. Don’t dry them in harsh sunlight as that might fade the colour far more than the washing. 

      Reply
  10. My personal choice would be Patagonia. But all brands are amazing! I’m not a big fan of yeans but I do own a few pairs and would like to buy another one. It is so cool to find your site. I like your overall content and everything you do here. We need more sites like yours which support eco-living and environment conservation. Thanks a lot for sharing and keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Thank you Ivan, Patagonia does a huge amount for the environment and also produce a great range of clothing, not only jeans. I hope you find what you need

      Reply
  11. Hi There,

    WOW! A jeans website I haven’t seen one of these before with reviews about worldwide jeans makers and trends. I like a pair of Stone Island jeans myself and Armani but they are a touch expensive and these days been a bit older it not really necessary for me as I do to buy them. I like the read about  at the end of the year you give it back to them and they recycle it such a great idea. Great website and I’ll bookmark this for my next online purchase if I can afford it. 

    In Friendship

    Stephen 

    Reply
    • Hi Stephen, organic cotton jeans are great to wear and also good for the environment. These brands are all affordable, compared with other designer jeans that don’t look after the planet. I hope you will find your best new pair here. 

      Reply

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